Meet DeAnna Carpenter: Sound Conduit, Spiritual Doula, She Who Builds

We had the good fortune of connecting with DeAnna Carpenter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DeAnna, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
The single most important decision I made that has and continues to contribute to my success, my overall well-being, and how I show up in the world, was choosing to see myself higher and believing that I will accomplish what I’m here to do. For a huge part of my life (mainly end of my 20s and the first half of my 30s), I approached things hesitantly. I knew I could do it, but there was always this question mark on whether I truly could or would for that matter. In early 2019, right before taking one of the most transformative trips in my life thus far to Kemet/Egypt, I kept hearing while meditating “see yourself higher.” I decided to take that on and began to remove myself from what was going on so that I could see everything happening in my life from a higher perspective, consistently. That vantage point changed things so distinctly for me. By seeing myself consistently beyond circumstances, beyond my body, beyond my job, etc., I started to believe more in myself because I knew I was bigger than anything I was facing. Seeing myself higher also required for me to own that I was bigger than what I was giving myself credit for and embodying, which shifted my self-identity, self-knowledge, self-love, self-esteem, and self-confidence.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a student of Life who is slowly stepping into this space as a teacher, too. My mediums are sound and words and I serve as a sound healer, singer-songwriter, and writer. I released my first album, Tsunami, in 2018 and am currently working on two musical experiences that I’m very proud of, “My Hapi Place” and “Come Inside,” to be released in September and October 2021. I have a beautiful community that I absolutely love, She Who Builds, which supports women with resources, tools, and support to build the life they imagine for themselves. I host annual retreats, quarterly day retreats based on the seasons, and do one-on-one work with individuals as a spiritual doula (my term for coaching). I recently completed my Kundalini RAJ Yoga Teacher Training Life Course through Temple 143 Kundalini in Brooklyn and I am part of the storytelling troupe, MissBehaving.

I am most proud of showing up as myself and allowing people to experience more of who I am and all the ways I express mySelf. I used to think I had to focus on one thing and that held me back for a long time. Now, I realize the magic is in embracing all of me and seeing that the different forms all work together. My singing doesn’t conflict with my yoga teaching. And my yoga teaching doesn’t conflict with my writing. All of it is an extension of me. It took lots of internal work for me to be OK with not segmenting myself and embracing me in my fullness. I realized that it’s from this full space that I can truly contribute to the world in a way I know I came here to do. Underneath it all is a soul who truly wants to inspire and remind people of who they really are.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, this is so good! Anyone who knows me KNOWS that I am a geek when it comes to stuff like this … lol! I’d take them to the Self Realization Fellowship Mount Washington and Peace Gardens and Labyrinth in the Historic West Adams district. We’d grab a bite to eat at Au Lac LA (because I’m plant-based and my friends who aren’t are always surprised and delighted by the food here) and SunCafe (their mint cacao shake, The Shamrock I think it’s called, is AMAZEBALLS) and Equelecua Vegan Cuban (the food is SO good!). We’d hang out and take pictures in the arts district, swing by The Grove for some shopping, and hike over at Kenneth Hahn State Park. I love all things nature and LA has so many gems, some of which I mentioned above. I’ve met some of the sweetest and overall amazing beings while out on a hike or while walking the labyrinth over at the peace gardens. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This question moves me to tears because I am where I am today because of the support, encouragement, cheerleading, and love of so many people. Since I have to choose one group, it’ll be my Spiritual Legion (Higher Self, my ancestors, spirit guides, angels, guardians, and Ascended Masters). They are the true MVPs and they know me so intimately! When I pray (and even before I do), they’re always there with an answer, guiding me to the right book, person, quote, etc. I’ve experienced them moving deeply through many people in my life and it moves me beyond words and tears. There’s many people I can name, but for this interview, it felt right to give thanks and appreciation to those I don’t see visibly at least 🙂

Website: www.shewhobuilds.com

Instagram: shewhobuilds

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvES2n0TXObl6_gpEpauGOQ

Other: www.dellesings.com

Image Credits
Neda Parfoorthi and Dina Perez Handy